Boobook Spooked by Magpies

3rd of Owltober!

October is Spring for Australians and on this side of the Equinox (and Tropic of Capricorn) the days are getting noticeably longer, lighter and warmer: a time for planting pumpkins rather than harvesting them. And yet, it is still very much a scary season. For Australia is home to one of the most dangerous creatures known to humans: Magpies.

Indeed, it’s nesting season for the Australian Magpie, and these corvids will guard their territory like it’s the last tub of Vegemite during a global shortage. A small but loud contingent of the Magpie population will swoop and dive at anything they see as a threat. Reports of them attacking cyclists is fairly common – there’s a whole website for registering attacks at https://www.magpiealert.com/

Owls are not immune to the beaks and claws of these angry birds. The Australian Boobook pictured here was a patient at SOWS (South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter) in Victoria, a victim to an attack from a Magpie Mob. Not much more info is in the original post, but it’s a good reminder for Australians to pack their safety sunglasses and wide brim hats when heading into the suburban wilderness. And also not to blame the Magpies, they’re just doing their best to raise their young in a challenging environment.

Take care Aussie creatures, be you feathered or not.

Original post – 18 Apr 2024
by South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter